What did you do with your 4runner today?

[SurferUK]

The parking brake shoes shouldn't deteriorate from age, it's just friction material, the only way they could deteriorate would be from a bad rear axle seal leaking fluid, so if you have a failed seal then I would recommend replacing the parking brake shoes especially if you use the parking brakes often and or they have to pass a vehicle inspection.

The transmission parking pawl really has nothing to do with the parking brakes, the parking brakes on the other hand is the backup in case the pawl do for some reason fails.

Thanks for a very useful post as always! I use my parking brake every day as my driveway is steep and I read you shouldn't load up the parking pawl. So I go from D to N, apply to brake, let it 'settle', then put into P. It's what I would do in a manual transmission car basically, apart from putting it in P. I should probably get a spare parking brake cable now I think about it...

 

[Boone47]

I've read numerous horror stories about this...not looking forward to when mine need changing...

For sure you need an extra set of hands.

 

[rdruss]

The parking brake shoes shouldn't deteriorate from age, it's just friction material, the only way they could deteriorate would be from a bad rear axle seal leaking fluid, so if you have a failed seal then I would recommend replacing the parking brake shoes especially if you use the parking brakes often and or they have to pass a vehicle inspection.

The transmission parking pawl really has nothing to do with the parking brakes, the parking brakes on the other hand is the backup in case the pawl does for some reason fails.

I should have taken a picture of my '07 Highlander paring brakes, absolutely no friction material remaining and shoe bases rusted solid. I removed them completely. I live in the rust belt EVERYTHING needs replacing here after a period of time.

 

[AuSeeker]

I should have taken a picture of my '07 Highlander paring brakes, absolutely no friction material remaining and shoe bases rusted solid. I removed them completely. I live in the rust belt EVERYTHING needs replacing here after a period of time.

For the most part the parking brake shoes and hardware only get replaced IF you have rust issues and the mounting hardware fails or you just choose to replace them for whatever reason, the parking brake only gets used when parking and the wear on the parking brake shoes is non-existing in a normal scenario since the wheel never moves to wear the shoes while parked.

As far as it being a horror to replace them IMHO comes from most people who never had much experience in replacing old style "drum" brakes, I have done more drum brakes than I can count or ever remember, some are rather easy but many others are sorta complicated in the fact if you don't get all the hardware installed exactly right and in the correct location and orientation the brakes don't work, but if you have done them many times it's not all that hard to do, especially if you have a diagram of how to assemble the hardware and shoes.

Also it helps if you have the correct tools to do drum brakes, there are some specialty tools for some of the hardware pieces, but it can be done without them if you're creative enough.

But as I mentioned, you shouldn't have to ever replace the parking brakes unless some of the hardware fails, unless you just choose to do so.

Your parking brakes didn't deteriorate from age, the friction material didn't deteriorate from age they became detached because of rust and worn down to dust from the rotation of the drum, I mentioned rust as a cause to replace the parking brake in my earlier post.

 

[Hunter61]

Replaced the lower ball joints on my 4runner today.
When I needed to replace them several years ago I ordered a a pair from Advance auto I think it was. They screwed up & sent me 2 sets so this one was a freebie.

 

[Unner]

Not today, but in the last few months I added an RCI filler plate to my ARB skids to cover the gap between the skids and the bumper.

20220301_173104 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

And took it out on the Georgia Traverse for a little light off roading.

20220319_154952 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220320_112154 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220319_144943 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220319_121809 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

And put some sil-blade wipers on it this afternoon. I love those wipers on my 3rd gen. The first set lasted like 6 years and I only replaced because the frames were getting faded and such. They leave a coating on the windshield that acts like rainx as well which is super nice when driving in the rain.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Not all today but over the course of a week;

New Dobinsons IMS shocks and springs for the front. New Moog LCA's and ball joints with new LCA cam bolts.

The front end is riding right again! The ride is better all around, slightly stiffer, probably due to the stiffer spring but these should handle this heavy bumper better.

New Dobinsons adjustable rear swaybar links.

I also installed a reman'd O'Reillys alternator and all new Gates idler pulleys and a new Gates tensioner. Hopefully, the O'Reillys unit holds up for another 200k!! Unfortunately, I was so focused on trying to complete that repair before our Easter dinner, I didn't get any pics.

 

[JaSC1]

Not today, but in the last few months I added an RCI filler plate to my ARB skids to cover the gap between the skids and the bumper.

20220301_173104 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

And took it out on the Georgia Traverse for a little light off roading.

20220319_154952 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220320_112154 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220319_144943 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220319_121809 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

And put some sil-blade wipers on it this afternoon. I love those wipers on my 3rd gen. The first set lasted like 6 years and I only replaced because the frames were getting faded and such. They leave a coating on the windshield that acts like rainx as well which is super nice when driving in the rain.

We've done just a little bit of the Traverse starting near road 107 here in SC On my bucket list is to do the entire route or at least as much as I can. Might take a few days.

 

[Keppers12]

Heated seats

I installed some heated seats, which are so nice! I used the two stock blank plates in my center console for the switches!

 

[LOSTR4]

New Dobinsons adjustable rear swaybar links.

Man, those look great but they're sure proud of them! $190 for end links? Probably hard to tell as an individual upgrade, but how do you like them? Hmmm, I may just bite the bullet and get some...sweet upgrades you found yourself knocking out! I bet she feels nice and compliant now! Bravo!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Man, those look great but they're sure proud of them! $190 for end links? Probably hard to tell as an individual upgrade, but how do you like them? Hmmm, I may just bite the bullet and get some...sweet upgrades you found yourself knocking out! I bet she feels nice and compliant now! Bravo!

Yeah, they're pricey but the links I had on there were so loud. I don't have the OEM links anymore either. I do feel like it flexes a little better if the swaybar is a little closer to a neutral position.

At some point I hope to remove the OEM rear sway bar and go to a Currie or TK1 swaybar with real disconnects but these extended links will work for now. I rarely have time to go wheeling anyway, lol.

 

[zimdba]

I installed some heated seats, which are so nice! I used the two stock blank plates in my center console for the switches!

What heaters did you go with?

 

[Bassturd]

Started this project today. Just need to wait a few hours for the foam to set up so I can get to trimming and finish it off with some rubberized undercoating.

 

[Bassturd]

Not too shabby!

 

[Billynath1988]

Its been a while, but getting it prepped for a weekend trail run in PA with some friends this upcoming weekend.

 

[TejasRunner01]

I usually do my own wrenching, but instead paid a shop to replace the timing belt/water pump ($1100) and replaced the import direct AC Compressor that another shop put on (died in 18 months) with a new Denso unit. Much better now! Goes to show, use cheap parts, you’ll end up spending more.

 

[originalg00kster]

Finally installed the 6112/5160's with the help of my uncle. Also installed the SRQ front recovery points while we had it all unbolted. I need to schedule an alignment for the 4runner next.

 

[momo.75]

Installed some DuroBumps bump stops. After talking to the owner about all the research and his knowledge of different compounds i was blown away. Not just a poor it in a mold product at all. Cool thing is that all of their materials and work is 100% Made in America!

Rear Comparison

Stock Rear

DuroBumps rear

Front Comparison

 

[momo.75]

Received some LED lights to tryout for Auxito. These are the high beam lights. I am very impressed with the output compared to my old Silverstar bulbs. [MENTION=679070]AUXITO.COM[/MENTION]

Wireless 9005 Led Bulb, 12000LM 60W Per Set Mini Size 6500K — AUXITO

 

[momo.75]

I have always been a little hesitant to try a throttle booster from the various companies out there. Most of them seemed to be more geared towards car usage but did have applications for trucks.

For the last couple weeks I have been trying out the Throttle Grenade from HOME - BLACK OPS OFFROAD ….made for trucks and offroad use. I was completely blown away with the difference it has made in the throttle response. Having the 4.7 V8 it has not been a lack of horsepower but just a slight lag in the throttle reaponse. The Throttle Grenade completely elleviates that issue. I have mainly kept it in the “INTEL” mode as it fits my driving style.

If you are looking for more response kick it up to “XPLODE” in any of the 1-9 settings….just make sure you have emptied your bladder first.

I have not had the chance to test out the “CRAWL”, “SAND & MUD” or “OFFROAD+” yet but do not expect anything less from those.

Use code MOMO75 for 10% off your purchase